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Posted 11/15/2007 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
Anyone out there been to the Cleveland Clinic? I'm going in December for a consultation with a ColoRectal Specialist. If you've been there or know someone who has, would you give me some feedback? Any doctors you could recommend or not?

Thank you!

Ohio43
Posted 11/15/2007 2:31 AM (GMT 0)

Yep - that's where I had all of my treatment and surgeries done.  Dr. Victor Fazio was my surgeon from 1979-1984.  I also went back for a check up in the mid 90's due to some pain later finding out it was adhesions.  He was the only surgeon I saw there for my CD.  I was admitted through there emergency room after being transported from a hospital in the Canton area... they didn't want to perform the surgery as it was so involved.  Fazio met me in the ER and took me as a patient. 

I also had my hysterectomy done there by Dr. Gidwani.  She was from India.  And did not have a very good bedside manner at all.  BUT she was good at what she did.

I saw a Dr. George Rankin, I think he worked in conjunction with Dr. Fazio in managing medications...  but I don't think he was a surgeon.  He was a bit older than Fazio at that time.

CCF is a huge facility as you probably know.  Don't be alarmed.  Just know that they are, IMO, one of the premier facilities in the US.  Maybe I'm a little biased because they saved my life.  It was really intimidating to me at the time because I was so young.  And it just such a big facility.

I notice from the below website that Dr. Fazio is now the department chair of colorectal surgery.  I just loved his bedside manner.  And of course the Aussie accent.

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/staff/getstaff.asp?StaffId=58

I have to admit that I still remember the ID number that I was given back then.  23 years later... it's just like a second social security number!

I wish you the best of luck.  I believe you have chosen a premier facility.  Do you have a name of someone you will be seeing there yet?  If there is anything I can help you with, I'd be glad to.

Posted 11/16/2007 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Peggy, thanks for getting back with me.

I'm going to see Tracy Hull. She's been there about 10 years. I've had four surgeries since June 21 to correct problems from a 4th degree laceration from an episiotomy giving birth 21 years ago. I also developed a rectovaginal fistula. The doctor has tried to fix it 3 or 4 times. After my first surgery, June 21, I developed a huge abcess. I then had surery on June 27. I did not get an ileostomy until July 23 when everything had fallen apart from the infection and contaminiation. Then I had my surgery on October 9. Now the fistula is back. So my doctor and I are both discouraged. He is having me meet with the head surgeon from his group on December 4. I decided on my own to go to the Cleveland Clinic. I've always heard go things about the hospital. We're about 2 1/2 hours south (Westerville, OH). I believe it will be worth the trip. My temporary ileostomy was supposed to be from July 23 - October 23, but that's not going to happen for sometime now. Dr. Tracy Hull's nurse said Dr. Hull will probably not do any surgery on me for several months since I've had so many and the last one was just on October 9. It is very discouraging. What is more discouraging is not having any marital "bliss" for the last 6 months and so many more months to follow. Luckily I have a very supporting husband. : )

Mary
Posted 11/17/2007 6:25 PM (GMT 0)

Mary, I just read your posting about wanting to know about Cleveland Clinic, and all of the problems that you are having.  I feel for you as I understand how nerve racking it is and how scared that you must be.  All of your surgeries seemed difficult. 

I am 39 and went to Cleveland Clinic at Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  I had a consultation with the colorectal department too, and saw Dr. Wexner.  He is known as the #1 colorectal surgeon in the world, and if you ever have a chance to meet him, do.  He trains over 6,000 doctors each year.  If there is anyone that can give you the best help there is with the least amount of complications, he can do it.  He was my surgeon on August 8 of this year and he gave me a total colectomy.  It was the best thing that I could have ever done.  His bedside manner was great and he's extremely personable and professional.  He saw me everyday I was there and I was there 9 days.  I saw 3 colorectal doctors per day, as every colorectal patient was given that care.  I cannot say enough good things about them and if I ever have any problems I would see him again in a heartbeat.  I live in Florida, but it was 10 hours away for me, so it was a big choice to make too.  Best of luck.. yeah

Lori

 

Posted 11/19/2007 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
My husband had his colon removed last June at the Cleveland Clinic.  His surgery was performed by Dr. Luca Stocchi.   While we were in the hospital my husband met with Dr. Hull when she filled in for Dr. Stocchi.  I don't think you can go wrong with any of the surgeons.  Cleveland Clinic is a wonderful facility and very patient friendly.  I found staying at the Intercontinental Suites a great experience where the staff helped take care of my needs while I was there for my husband.  We will be returning in January for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Stocchi.  Good luck with your appointment. 

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